5 Things to Know Before Visiting London

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Visiting London

I have been to London a few times and did a lot of research beforehand. That said, I learned even more on my first visit. London is a major city with plenty to do, many ways to get around, countless places to eat and drink, and endless things to see. For some, it can feel a little overwhelming, but if you head in with a plan, it’s just a lot of fun! Make note of these five things and you’ll hit the ground running.

Public Transit from Heathrow

You’ll have a few solid options for reaching the city from the airport. The main thing to know is to plan which one you want to take ahead of time and just go straight there. My recommendation is to book the Heathrow Express as soon as you book your flight time. You’ll save a lot, making it comparable to other options, but you’ll also enjoy a quick and comfortable ride right downtown.

• London Underground (The Tube): The most affordable route, about an hour to central London.
• Elizabeth Line: A newer, quicker, and more comfortable ride than the Tube, but slightly more expensive.
• Heathrow Express: The fastest and easiest choice, running non-stop to Paddington in just 15 minutes. Prices are cheapest if you book ahead (as little as £10), although last-minute tickets can be pricey.

Plan for High Tea

High tea in Britain is more than just sipping tea, it’s a cultural ritual. Traditionally served in the late afternoon, it features tiered trays of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream (it’s amazing) and jam, and delicate pastries. If you Google places to have high tea in London, your search will return mostly hotels and high-end restaurants. For example, my search brought me to The Ritz London, where a reservation is almost always required. The dress code is formal, and the price is around £90 per person (about $121 USD). While it is an event you will remember, if you want to experience high tea in a more relaxed way, as locals often do, you have plenty of other options.

• The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason: A great choice, and one I’ve personally enjoyed with my wife. It was more laid back and much more affordable at £40 per person (about $54 USD). Reservations can be made, but you don’t always need one. I booked the same day without an issue. At the time of writing (1:45 PM London time), the website shows openings just an hour away. Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea
• The English Rose Café & Tea Shop: The first place we ever tried afternoon tea, and it may still be my favorite. At £34 per person (about $47 USD), it’s a great value. They don’t take reservations, but the wait wasn’t long. The English Rose Café

Don’t Worry About Getting Around

London is a very well-connected city, and it’s extremely easy to get from point A to point B.

• The Tube (Underground): A great way to navigate the city. Payment is simple using Apple Pay, Android Pay, or contactless Tap, so there’s no need to buy a card. Google Maps makes it easy—just use the “Transit” option.
• Buses: Don’t be afraid of the bus! London buses are clean and easy to find. Again, Google Maps will guide you. If it says take a bus, take it. Many are still the famous red double-deckers
• Taxis: The iconic black cabs are everywhere and worth experiencing at least once. Don’t worry about drivers getting lost. Before becoming a licensed driver, all must pass “The Knowledge,” a notoriously tough test introduced in 1865. According to Transport for London: “Mastering the Knowledge typically takes students three to four years. It’s a challenge, but plenty of help and support is available if you are determined.”
• Walking: London is huge but very walkable. Even if you don’t have a set destination, wander and take it all in. Stop at a pub for a pint and fish and chips, then keep exploring.

There’s More to the UK Than London

London is the heart of the UK and can keep you busy for days, but there’s so much more to see in England and it’s easy to do. Trains make travel simple, and London is the hub. On our last trip, we spent an afternoon in Eastbourne, exploring the town and visiting the famous Seven Sisters, a dramatic series of white chalk cliffs on the coast. A train from Victoria Station to Eastbourne takes just over an hour, and Google Maps will guide you, even helping you book tickets.

• Eastbourne: Seaside town with a charming promenade, shops, and access to the South Downs.
• Seven Sisters Cliffs: Iconic white chalk cliffs and rolling green hills on the English Channel.
• Victoria Station: One of London’s busiest train hubs, with frequent routes to the coast.

Don’t Over-Plan

Planning essentials like how to get downtown or booking a tea reservation if you want the fancy option is smart, but beyond that, there’s no need to overdo it. Take a stroll, jump on a train, and enjoy the city at your own pace. I’m not a big fan of tours since they often rush past places I want to linger. If you’re wandering and want some direction, here are a few can’t-miss spots:

• Tower of London: Historic fortress on the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of royal intrigue.
• Any Pub (Leinster Arms is my favorite): A classic neighborhood pub near Hyde Park, perfect for a pint and hearty British food.
• Buckingham Palace: The King’s official London residence, famous for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• HMS Belfast: WWII Royal Navy warship turned floating museum on the River Thames.
• Fortnum & Mason: Iconic 1707 department store, legendary for its luxury teas and hampers.
• Harrods London: World-famous department store in Knightsbridge, known for luxury shopping and its food halls.
• Piccadilly Circus: Bustling square with neon signs, theaters, and lively crowds, often compared to Times Square.
• London Eye: Giant riverside observation wheel offering panoramic city views.
• Westminster Abbey: Gothic masterpiece, site of royal coronations, weddings, and historic burials.
• Trafalgar Square: Landmark public square featuring Nelson’s Column, fountains, and the National Gallery.
• Kensington Gardens: Expansive royal gardens next to Hyde Park, home to Kensington Palace and the Peter Pan statue.

👉 Click the button above to open this interactive map in Google Maps on your phone or desktop.

Bonus Tip

If you’re flying out of Heathrow early in the morning, stay downtown the night before and catch the Heathrow Express first thing. On our first visit, we stayed near the airport and it took an hour to reach the terminal. On later trips, we stayed near Paddington Station, and it only took 25 minutes from hotel door to terminal.

Summary

London is one of the world’s great cities, full of history, culture, and energy. With a little planning, just enough to cover the essentials—you’ll find it easy to explore and even easier to enjoy.

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